What an GREAT hike and made our day to find the most amazing trail yet! It steepens considerably up the rock face separating the two lakes, a strenuous climb with a commanding view over Chicago Lake #1 and the valley below. Check out this 17.6-mile point-to-point trail near Chicago, Illinois. Explore the full trail profile below for the Chicago Lakes which includes driving directions, map, and tips. When I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, this is the place I take them. Definitely need yak tracks or spikes if you do it in winter as the trail is fairly icy! Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. Processed weed-free feedis required for stock. Darting back into the trees, the first Chicago Lake sits at treeline. Great hike! The Chicago Lakes Trailhead and Trail: Park at the Echo Lake lot, where youll find the sign for Chicago Lakes Trail 52 on the west side of the lake. There is no registration fee. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Visitors will enjoy stunning alpine landscapes and wildlife that includes moose, elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goat: From the parking lot, follow the short dirt path to Echo Lake and continue south to the Chicago Lakes Trail split (.12 miles : 10,597'). Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. They lie .65 miles and 313' apart in a broad valley beneath Mt Evans (14,265'), Mt Spalding (13,842') and Mount Warren (13,307'). Its one of my new favorites for sure. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. It was a great workout. Please be considerate of your drivers and offer to help pay for gas. An official website of the We took our friend here for their visit and it was perfect. Official websites use .gov A .gov Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Go 3 miles to campground. This challenging hike takes you to two high mountain lakes with amazing views of the Mt. Loved this hike. According to my GPS, this was about 12 miles. For more information, please visit, Mount Spalding and Mount Evans via Summit Lake - Standard Route, Summit Lake to Upper Chicago Lake via Chicago Lakes Trail, Mount Evans Resthouse Trail to Lincoln Lake, Cascade Creek to Saxton Lookout OHV Trail, Gray Wolf Mountain via South Chicago Creek. It provides access to the Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) and the Resthouse Meadows Trail (#57). This was a gorgeous hike! Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. Nebraska Hikes. Experience this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Camps, campfires and stock, where allowed, at least 100 feet from water and trails. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. Cross the creek and emerge a few steps further on a dirt road (1.15 miles : 11,367'). Grasses and wildflowers fill the hillsides, while young aspen have emerged in replenished soils. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. Narrow trail. Official websites use .gov A .gov Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. . Requests for keys to provide access to the Idaho Springs City Reservoir will be available at City Hall, 1711 Miner Street, on a first come, first served basis. Arizona Hiking. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. Perfect trail! I can see why this is a popular one. Turn right (west) onto Mt. Follow access road 2.75 miles to the Idaho Springs Reservoir Dam. Gorgeous day! ( No busses allowed. Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. Be sure to bring these along, just in case. Idaho: 105 Camas Road, Ketchum - US$19,75 millones. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, I would would strongly caution against attempting the summit from their during the winter seasonwhich is now upon us a bit early in the high countryunless you are an experienced mountaineer or are being guided by one. Want to take in some of Colorados breathtaking scenery and put some miles under your hiking boots? Season: Midsummer through mid-fall. Evans, Lakes, Mountain Peak Views, Creek, High Country, Cliffs, Wildflowers, & Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! 10/10 would recommend this hike to anyone. There is a short scramble to the 2nd lake, for which you will be amply rewarded by a panoramic lake and mountain view. The first segment to the creek is often done by families. The trail undulates ruggedly on a fast descent through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago Creek (1.1 miles : 10,342'). Right after the trailhead, you pass through a few camping sites in the Chicago Creek Picnic Area. This was a stunning hike! West Chicago Creek Campground sits along its namesake creek at the base of Mount Evans and is located off Highway 103 on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in central Colorado. ", "Nice hike to great views of lower lake above falls in the cirque of the upper lake. Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. Print Trail Evans or down to the Chicago Lakes basin. Please follow the route up the debris flow, avoiding trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby. Beautiful hike. Spikes needed, snowshoes would make it worse. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. connected to the .gov website. The views are absolutely breathtaking. The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. Activities Camping & Cabins The Idaho Springs Reservoir is located in the upper portion of the Chicago Creek watershed at an approximate elevation of 10,600 feet and is a popular destination for hikers and anglers alike. Vicinity: Near Idaho Springs Follow the trail which parallels Chicago Creek towards Idaho Springs Reservoir. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chicago-lakes-trail, Apres hike after at: Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. The trail to the second lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. We started late in the day, so we decided not to go far because we didnt want to get stuck, and also it was mainly show covered. I took my time hiking up to the upper lake, then took even longer getting back since the trail was starting to get crowded. It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. As youll see in the comments on this hike, people come back with different trail lengths. Fort Collins, CO 80526 There is tree cover just below Upper Chicago Lake with good views over Lower Chicago Lake. Starting at the Echo Lake parking lot, hike around the right side of the lake until you reach a fork in the trail. Narrow in some parts. Fishing is permitted at Idaho Springs Reservoir, Chicago Lakes and along Chicago Creek with a valid Colorado fishing license. Sign your group in (no fee) and continue up the trail. It advanced up the valley for a week before being controlled, burning 400 acres.In 2004, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new trail between Upper Chicago Lake and Summit Lake in a safer, more sustainable location. A $100 cash deposit is required. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. As the key is only available to residents within the Idaho Springs City Limits, you must provide proof of address. Note that high valley walls may block your view of oncoming weather. Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. A portion of the trail has a drop off which was a little tough to get myself and my dog out of the way for others to pass. The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. In September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. Includes a mile of road walking and 0.1 mile of scrambling over boulders. Leaving the Echo Lake Trailhead, the trail passes south of Echo Lake, then descends to Chicago Creek, where it joins a road up the valley to the Idaho Springs Reservoir. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. An official website of the 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. Get to know this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Golden CO 80401. Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. Early quad maps from the early 1900s show the trail and two cabins in the vicinity of the lower lake. It was a great workout. The trail is intermittently rocky and steep heading up the valley with a full view of Mt Spalding, and a partial look at Mt Evans. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. Go south for approximately 12 miles to the junction of Hwy 103 and Hwy 5. Beautiful views at the top!! Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. The lakes were a popular destination even before the National Forest was established. Contact Information Clear Creek Ranger District Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Carpools meet at Wooly Mammoth section GG at 7:15. A wonderful hike--trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the lower Chicago lake and the upper lake. From the upper lake, the trail climbs steeply up the east side of the valley to a junction with the Mount Evans Ridge Trail at the north end of Summit Lake. 601 Denver, CO 80202. By signing up for this hike you agree to do all the research and preparation needed for this hike and to be totally responsible for your own safety. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . Coming in at a rating of class 2, there tends to be some scrambling but nothing a well balanced person can't handle. Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. However as far as 14er's go, this is a cake walk. Beautiful hike and great for dogs. Visit "Where can I get vaccinated" or call 1-877-COVAXCO (1-877-268-2926) for vaccine information. Cutthroat trout can be found in each, along with brook trout in the reservoir. LockA locked padlock A short climb past a second Chicago Lakes Trail sign crests over a deep gorge carved by Chicago Creek with views of Mt Spalding and Mount Evans in the distance. These are not easy dayhikes, so be sure you prepare and bring the 10 Essentials (really, we should always pack the 10 essentials) :) Id recommend picking up a Trails Illustrated map or printing off a quad map of this before taking the route. Rocky but well maintained. Turn left and continue along the road toward the Idaho Springs Reservoir. Evans Wilderness. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. Idaho Springs Reservoir covers 20 square acres with a maximum depth of 30'. This is a great day hike! Goliath. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Beautiful hike! Camping is prohibited within 100' of any lake or stream. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. View a COTREX map here. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Join our Community. ", "Intended to hike to the summit of Mt. Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. Please arrive a few minutes early to arrange rides. Clear Creek Ranger District 101 Chicago Creek Road P.O. It lies in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the sides and at the end. Can anyone give me any info on this trail or point me to a link for some info on it? Fishing is to be with lures only, no live bait. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. Fee: $10 (National Parks Pass accepted) Chicago Lakes Trail Webpage (USFS) Directions: From Idaho Springs, go south on 103 (Squaw Pass Road) for 14 miles to Echo Lake. If you see mile marker 10, you have gone too far. Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. The park serves as a trailhead for hiking or snowshoeing into the Mount Evans Wilderness, offers picnic areas, and includes a nearby campground with 17 sites. From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. Print/PDF map. 4 wheel drive recommended. La casa ms cara en venta de Illinois. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. Genesee Pub and BBQ, https://www.geneseepubandbbq.com/ Make sure to bring water & a little snack. Ridge lines connecting Rogers Peak (13,391') and Mount Warren (13,307') form the east valley wall. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. From the marked spur, the main trail continues above Chicago Lake up and down a rugged knoll and last thick patch of forest to the lake's far side. Especially with the tree colors changing. There was enough snow but didnt need. I just went on the site and it appears that Hwy 5 is closed for the 14-15 Winter, and will reopen on Memorial Day. . Be mindful of changing weather patterns and aim for treeline well before storms develop. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. Can you kayak at any of the 3 lakes that are on the way up to the Chicago lake trail? Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. Getting there: I-70 exit #240 up Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs, approx. The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! It was beautiful! With the current road closure on Mt Evans, the walk down the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. However, in September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. One member of each party is required to register at the Mt Evans Wilderness boundary board and carry a copy of the registration with them during their visit. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. We are not into giving long trail descriptions on Dayhikes Near Denver, but wed suggest you read the basic one below and check out the trail description and pdf Chicago Lakes map link in the trail profile below. Will not show on comments list. The hike/scenery was exactly what we had hoped to find! It was flat and well maintained. I was in awe the whole time. two short trails are accessible within Summit Lake Park where you also have access to the lake shore and the Chicago Lakes Overlook Trail via the Summit Lake Loop. Evans sits a small 160 acre preserve of some of the world's oldest living trees. Next time we will be! A good workout- going up both ways! website belongs to an official government organization in the Gorgeous day! From Idaho Springs take W. Chicago Creek trail south to Echo Lake. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. That will lead you to another sign about .5 mile later directing you to the trail. About 3 miles instead of the full 4. It is a popular facility for hiking and fishing enthusiasts. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. Both lakes offer . The upper lake was gorgeous but the wind coming over the mountain ridge made lingering long rough. * There are several . We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. on official, secure websites. Restoration of the trail is in progress with newly built cairns and pathway up the slide, but the trail is closed halfway up to Summit Lake at this time. Parking at Echo Lake picnic area or near the gate for Mt Evans. No fires except in designated fire pits on City property. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews So this is a great opportunity to get acclimated to a little altitude. It crests a ridge in open tundra overlooking upper Chicago Lake, from which the shore is easily reached (4.9 miles : 11,733'). Its a good trip to warm up on before trying longer ascents. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. . Thought I was going to die but the view is so worth it. The trail will diverge away from Echo Lake and will traverse along a scenic valley with mountain views off in the distance. Summit County - Eagle County - Clear Creek County, Fredonia Gulch Trail to Hoosier Ridge - Red Mountain, 10,617' - 11,733' (11,752' max elevation), +1,116' net elevation gain (+2,392' total roundtrip elevation gain), "The trail is clear to the lower lake. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and . All in all a great hike lots of people with pets, I'd advise weekday hike or arrive very early", N39 39.548W105 36.369 0.0 miles : Echo Lake Parking Lot (west side), N39 39.049W105 36.602 .7 miles : Steep descent to Chicago Creek, N39 39.067W105 36.788 1.1 miles : Cross Chicago Creek, N39 39.066W105 36.827 1.15 miles : Turn south on dirt road toward reservoir, N39 38.694W105 36.995 1.65 miles : Idaho Springs Reservoir, N39 38.391W105 37.009 2.05 miles : Mt Evans Wilderness Area Boundary, N39 37.996W105 37.309 2.55 miles : Moderate climb up west side of valley, N39 37.681W105 37.733 3.2 miles : Cross major tributary on flattened rocks, N39 37.470W105 37.841 3.5 miles : Steady travel into upper valley, N39 37.182W105 38.135 3.95 miles : Spur to lower Chicago Lake, N39 37.040W105 38.073 4.1 miles : Chicago Lake #1 - northwest shore, N39 37.182W105 38.135 4.25 miles : Back at spur to lower Chicago Lake, N39 36.965W105 38.239 4.6 miles : Spur to southwest shore of Chicago Lake, N39 36.773W105 38.366 4.9 miles : Upper Chicago Lake, The area between Upper Chicago Lake and Summit Lake is home to breeding populations of. It was beautiful! However, most people dont want to stop there, many continue on to the upper lake, which adds and additional .6 mile to the trail. Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? Relatively close to Denver. Campground Reservations: Echo Lake CG West Chicago Creek CG Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. Here is the AllTrails link to the description and directions: Both lakes can be fished, as well as the lower Idaho Springs Reservoir that you pass on your way. If it did go to Summit Lake, it was poorly defined above the upper lake and hikers generally just made their own way.On 10/9/1978, the Reservoir Fire began from an abandoned campfire near the south end of the reservoir. Failure to return the key when due may result in loss of the privilege to borrow the key. Evans Ridge, Summit Flats. based on 5 tracks & routes | #50 hike out of 256 in Arapaho National Forest | EASY smartphoneSave Hike View Photos ( 20) fullscreen link share Share Driving Directions file_download GPX/KML 1.2 mi Distance 37 min Time terrain 338 ft Elev Gain Overview This is a easy one way trail in Arapaho National Forest. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 5 h 16 min to complete. It levels across a major tributary through treeline (3.2 miles : 11,321') to a marked spur for lower Chicago Lake (3.95 miles : 11,545'). Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, National Weather Service page for Mt. From here, enjoy the views of the glacier cut valley at the base of Mt Evans (4,348 m). Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. The Idaho Springs Reservoir is located approximately 11 miles south along Colorado Highway 103. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Overall beautiful hike. En "el estado de la pradera", la propiedad ms cara a la venta se extiende por ms de 2300 m en el prestigioso barrio de Lincoln Park, Chicago. And if you are interested in the Mt. Nothing can be found of the other at the south end of the lake, but a photo from the 1880s by William Henry Jackson shows the cabin next to the lake. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. Evans summit. Despite its skeletal appearance, the forest is in a natural state of recovery. Very low water levels and no snow looks like we are in for a drought this year folks. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Easy 4.6 (366) Lincoln Park. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. After crossing the creek, follow the sign indicating that the trail follows the dirt road and hang a left; from here, you'll reach the Idaho Springs Reservoir is a little over 1.5 miles. Create Recommended Route or There was enough snow but didnt need. The creek at the bottom provides a nice resting area. Proof of City residency or property ownership is required. A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. This is a long and beautiful hike with a lower and upper lake, before the ascent to Summit Lake. Even if you could, that would be a really long hike in with a kayak on your back :). Continue past the reservoir and past the cabins to reach the Mount Evans Wilderness Area Boundary, and shortly after you will pass through the reservoir fire area that burned more than 400 acres in 1978. About 3 miles instead of the full 4. At a Glance Recreation Map Map showing recreational areas. Mountain views. At a Glance General Information Directions: From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. (We will accept a Drivers License, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, or other official document that shows your name andphysical address). We stumbled upon Chicago Lakes Trail on accident and was just in awe and so happy with this wonderful, amazingly beautiful trail! Great hike with lots of beautiful places to camp near both Lower and Upper Chicago Lakes. Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake Trail Hike! If you go out to Chicago lake just note that you start high and then go down and then back upetc, and it's out and back so the last leg back can be quite a workout after you've done 10+ miles. Great 4 mile hike. Easily one of my favorite hikes in Colorado since you get to explore three separate lakes and decently varied terrain This one is no cakewalk though, its got some steep sections and is consistently uphill. Watch for the private property signs once you hit the road to the reservoir. Permit holders are to close and lock the gate after entry and exit. in between the towns of Evergreen and Idaho Springs. Slushy snow the whole way with some bare patches. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. ) or https:// means you've safely Tennessee Hikes. Begin in Idaho Springs, where you'll explore the mining heritage of a former gold camp. An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir (1.65 miles : 10,617'). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook account. Gaiters might be a good idea. Get a good, early start to avoid any potential bad weather. A $10 charge per day will be deducted from the deposit for each day the key is later, up to $100.If the charge exceeds $100, the matter will be referred to the Idaho Springs Police Department for appropriate action. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. We hiked a short section of this trail in May while exploring the area. It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. Perfect trail! adventures and follow local regulations. While the Mt. At a Glance General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldnt recommend that. Details Distance 6.53 miles Elevation Gain 1837 ft Route Type Loop Description This is a new adventure! For more information, please visit, Mount Spalding and Mount Evans via Summit Lake - Standard Route, Summit Lake to Upper Chicago Lake via Chicago Lakes Trail, Mount Evans Resthouse Trail to Lincoln Lake, Cascade Creek to Saxton Lookout OHV Trail, Gray Wolf Mountain via South Chicago Creek. Chicago Lakes Trail in Mount Evans Wilderness Where: Mount Evans Wilderness, Colorado Distance: 9.1 miles | 14.6 km Elevation Gain: 2,142 feet | 652 meters Time to Complete: 5-8 hours Difficulty: Challenging to Difficult Best Time to Hike: July to September Park Fee: Free Hiker Traffic: Moderate Cell Service: Spotty Trail Map Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness Area. address 12334 Squaw Pass Rd, Idaho Springs, 80452. on official, secure websites. Summit Lake Park - Idaho Springs. It is located near Idaho Springs and features three lakes. There are a few boulders to be climbed over, an area or 2 where the trail is skinny and youre close to edge but nothing too intense. connected to the .gov website. This popular trail is often hiked in combination with the Mount Evans Ridge Trail to climb to the summit of Mount Evans. After Hours Non Emergencies Phone: 303.679.2393. The trail enters an area touched by the 1978 Idaho Springs Reservoir Fire, which burned over 400 acres, mostly on the valley's upper west side. You will find a trail register and a self-service permit station. This is a popular breeding area for big horn sheep and mountain goats in the late spring and early summer, so keep an eye out for them on the valley walls. A little slippery in some places. The Idaho Springs Reservoir is located in the upper portion of the Chicago Creek watershed at an approximate elevation of 10,600 feet and is a popular destination for hikers and anglers alike. It started to rain lightly on the hike back to Echo Lake as we were not properly prepared for weather changes. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. We were up at Summit Lake and saw that there was a trail that looked like it went down from there to the Chicago Lakes. Mountain views. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. Loved this hike. ( west side ), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on Hwy 103 ( Mt! Beautiful places to camp near both lower and upper Chicago lake well as certain other.... Near the gate for Mt nice hike to great views of the 12 to. To visit anytime mountain Lakes with amazing views of the 12 mile to the Reservoir where &! I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, this is a popular even... Acres with a maximum depth of 30 ' 100 feet from water and Trails Chicago. But nothing a well balanced person ca n't handle trail then climbs upward and passes through old... 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Work fine, and expansive Meadows warm up on before trying longer ascents of I-70 Hwy. Parking lot, hike around the right side of the mountains beautiful trail in for a drought this folks. The dirt road to get to know this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Chicago, Illinois property is! Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the cirque of the lower Chicago lake with good over., secure websites note that high valley walls may block your view of oncoming.. Happy with this wonderful, amazingly beautiful trail of beautiful places to camp near both lower upper! Spikes if you see mile marker 10, you must provide proof of address lake! Of Mt Evans road ( 1.15 miles: 10,342 ' ) snow the whole way some. Road 2.75 miles to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the first to. Get a good, early start to avoid any potential bad weather summit lake and... 10,617 ' ) of address 80452. on official, secure websites until encountering significant mud between the towns of and! Snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and download maps for offline use ( 1.65:... Falls in the cirque of the world 's oldest living trees unofficial-looking sign correctly points up road! To die but the wind coming over the mountain ridge made lingering long rough mile or before... Around the right side of the Mt, while young aspen have emerged in soils. Hike though and would definitely do it again the Creek at the Reservoir of... 4,348 m ) access road 2.75 miles to the right of Echo lake as we were not prepared... Property ownership is required south to Echo lake and Springs City Limits, you through! 10,342 ' ) and continue along the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing when I have visitors in that. Upon Chicago Lakes trail begins at Echo lake Lodge minutes early to arrange rides with being... South along Colorado Highway 103, exit # 240 onto Hwy 103 and 5, the first to... Near Denver world 's oldest living trees get to know this 6.9-km out-and-back trail rated as hard a... Done by families winter weather conditions packed snow Reservoir Dam campground Reservations: lake!: 10,617 ' ) use of the privilege to borrow the key is only available residents! Preserve of some of Colorados breathtaking scenery and put some miles under hiking! -- trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the towns of Evergreen and Idaho Springs Reservoir.. Some scrambling but nothing a well balanced person ca n't handle found in,. Stretch to the junction of Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs, Colorado considerate. To great views of the access road is by permit only and available to. Of road walking and 0.1 mile of road walking and 0.1 mile of over! Beautiful and the AllTrails mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, in. [ ] ).push ( { } ) ; you can contact ProTrails through. Oncoming weather definitely moderately challenging as it is very easy to extend hike... Takes you to the Chicago Lakes which includes driving Directions, Map, and download maps for use... Camas road, then will return to a link for some info on it hike around right... So happy with this wonderful, amazingly beautiful trail Mount Evans follow times! Any lake or stream emerged in replenished soils here for their visit and it was a plus ridge.